Brownsburg Magazine April 2026

BAND ON WHEELS

VOLUNTEERS DRIVE BROWNSBURG BAND GEAR TO ROSE BOWL PARADE

PUBLISHER

DARREN BOSTON darren@townepost.com (317) 716-8812 KEY CONTRIBUTORS

MELISSA GIBSON CURT MOSS

ASHLEY WATTERS AMERICAN MARKETING & PUBLISHING

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

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Tox-Away Day

M MAY 2

8 8AAMM--11PPM M

Hendricks County Fairgrounds (Enter at Gate 5)

Hendricks County households are encouraged to use Tox-Away Days to recycle and dispose of chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, medicines, medical sharps, tires, electronics, and appliances. Regulations prohibit wastes from businesses or other organizations from being accepted at Tox-Away Days.

Fees are charged for the recycling of TVs ($20/$25), appliances ($5/$10), and certain tires. Cash and check only.

Call ( 317 ) 858 - 6070 orvisit RecycleHendricksCounty.org formoreinformation.

Spring Into Action

Stop in to see our great selection of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, trees, shrubs & spring décor!

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BAND ON WHEELS

VOLUNTEERS DRIVE

BROWNSBURG BAND GEAR TO ROSE BOWL PARADE

Hendricks County residents watched as The Sound of Brownsburg marching band traveled and performed at the Tournament of Roses Parade, also known as the Rose Parade, in Pasadena, California, over New Year’s Eve 2026. Thanks to social media and a live television performance, they got a special glimpse into what all goes into the process.

More than 200 members of the band, color guard, staff and parents took a flight to California after the holidays in time for the multiple performances they did over the course of seven days. But someone had to get all of their supplies packed in two 53-foot semi-trailers from Brownsburg to Pasadena.

Mike and Amy Russell and Will and Lisa Gatton were up for the task.

In fact, the Russells have been driving for the Brownsburg Band for many years. Mike has driven to New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2021 and to Orlando twice, not to mention the weekly competitions across the state.

“My daughter Natalie started with the band in sixth grade. That was about nine years ago and now she has been on staff with the color guard in Brownsburg for three years,” Mike Russell says. “We now have a senior percussionist, a junior in color guard and a middle schooler in the band as well.”

If you’ve ever participated in a marching band or have a loved one who has, those

close to the program know it becomes a lifestyle — a family of sorts. In addition to the hard work the students put in, it takes many supporters and volunteers to make the band what it is today.

“I work for Oles Engineering in Whitestown. The owner donates the use of his trucks and fuel for them all season long. Will, the other driver, got his CDL two years ago and he got a job at the same company so now we are able to take two trucks on our trips,” Russell says.

When the couples learned they would be needed for the longest driving trip they’ve ever taken — Russell says he’s never been farther west than Kansas — they got to work creating an itinerary.

“I spent a bit of time researching hotels, finding those that would accommodate our large trucks and I was excited to drive it and see the sites along the way,” Russell says.

There’s more to it than just finding the most unique place to visit. The crew was on an important timeline.

Mike and Amy brought their two grandchildren, Lukas, 3, and Maseyn, 19 months, along for the ride. Will and Lisa took one truck, Mike took the other and they rented a van for Amy to drive so the group would be able to get dinner or stop at a store when they stopped for the night. Federal regulations require the drivers start their day when the truck starts in the morning and they can only be behind the wheel for 11 hours of driving, or a total of 14 hours per day, with a minimum of 10 hours of downtime before heading back on the road.

With all of those factors, Mike created a route leaving Indiana on Dec. 24. The group stopped in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona before making their way to California.

They may not have had time to enjoy vacation sites but said the scenery was spectacular, and they shared photos on Brownsburg Bands’ social media for the community to go on the ride with them.

“I really enjoyed the rock formations in the desert and then getting into the mountains. I don’t know how to describe it. You see it in pictures but seeing it in real life … the pictures don’t do it justice,” Russell says.

Amy says they drove through Kingman, Arizona, the inspiration for Disney’s “Cars,” and she could see it clearly.

“It wasn’t what I expected. It felt like I was driving through the ‘Cars’ movie,” Amy says.

Once they arrived, the Russells and the Gattons met up with around 30 other prop crew members to unload the band’s instruments and props — which they did

repeatedly as the band traveled around doing rehearsals and performing at Disneyland, Bandfest — a student band competition — and, of course, the famous Rose Parade.

“We had our fun but it was quite a bit of work also,” Russell says. “We do it for the kids. To see their excitement and the joy they get performing and being able to do those things through the band, it makes it all worth it.”

On the way back, the drivers stopped in Arizona, Texas and Missouri before ending in Indiana.

“We stopped at the Wigwam Motel on Route 66 on the way back. Each room was its own wigwam and it was on the National Register of Historic Places so that was a neat experience,” Russell says.

It was a round-trip total of 53 hours and 36 minutes.

Like most road trips, they had their share of struggles too.

The adults took turns with the flu each day on the way there and before heading back, Mike fell on the ramp of the semi in the pouring rain. A trip to the emergency room ended in more than 80 stitches in his leg. But the couples, the prop crew, the staff and the students would all say it was worth the effort and a memory they won’t soon forget.

“As a mom, I like that Mike is always there. The prop crew is out there before the kids get done with their performance and to know my two kids see their dad as soon as they’re done is a happy feeling for me,” Amy says. “Sometimes you can feel burnt out and you don’t know if you can do another year but it means so much to them. We’re there and we’ll always be there.”

They’ve created a family. Band students become lifelong friends and hang out

outside of band now, and the prop crew gets together regularly for evenings of cookouts and bonfires with the adults.

Many in the “family” support band students long after their own children have graduated — still showing up, still giving their time, their talents and their support to the teens.

“Once it’s in your blood, you just keep doing it,” Russell says. “I love doing this and I’ll do it again.”

Marching band is not a school-funded activity. It is 100% reliant on parents and outside donations, and the band frequently hosts fundraisers throughout the year, creating scholarships for band students who may not be able to afford the fees to participate.

Visit brownsburgbands.com for more information or follow the Brownsburg Bands Facebook page for details.

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WELCOME TO THE HIDEOUT

LOCAL SPACE OFFERS CONNECTION, PLAY & SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES

Writer / Ashley Watters

Photgrapher / American Marketing & Publishing

Finding things to keep little ones occupied can be a challenge. Caregivers are always on the lookout for ways to connect with little ones in meaningful ways, a tall order at times. For families in the Brownsburg area, the solution to that conundrum comes by way of The Hideout.

Located at 554 Pit Road, Door 2, The

Hideout was previously The Well Community Church and Center, a foundational space catered to families. Unfortunately, the church made the difficult decision to separate from the center. But fortunately for families, the Trietschs weren’t willing to see this important space disappear from the community. Together, along with their two daughters, the

Trietschs converted the space to offer open play and community space to the residents of Brownsburg.

Specifically designed with families in mind, The Hideout is a play space with tons of options to keep little minds and bodies active. True to its motto, “Active minds. Playful hearts. Endless exploration,” The

“As

parents ourselves, we understand the ups and downs of raising kids. There are beautiful moments, and there are really hard ones. We wanted to create a space that feels safe, welcoming and supportive — where kids can play freely and caregivers can connect with others who understand the season they’re in.”

- Ashley Trietsch

Hideout offers a variety of enrichment options for young kids. Currently, families can take advantage of open play times, along with enrichment classes that include Shine Out Kids Yoga classes, Little Notes with Nana (a mom-and-me music class) and Tiny Tumblers and Ninjas class.

“We felt called to take what they started and grow it into something even more expansive for families. From the beginning, we knew we didn’t want to be just an indoor play space. We love being a flexible space

that can adapt to what families actually need. In many ways, October 2025 wasn’t just an opening date. It was the beginning of a new chapter for a space that already meant something to this community,” says Ashley Trietsch.

In addition to these classes, The Hideout is a great spot for private rentals, birthday parties, family gatherings, homeschool meetups and small celebrations. Ashley truly wants to be a destination and supportive place for families and caregivers.

Free open play hours are offered MondayWednesday every week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“As parents ourselves, we understand the ups and downs of raising kids. There are beautiful moments, and there are really hard ones. We wanted to create a space that feels safe, welcoming and supportive — where kids can play freely and caregivers can connect with others who understand the season they’re in,” she says.

And The Hideout isn’t just a business venture — it’s a family one too.

The Trietschs’ 6-year-old daughter Everleigh is the sole creative mind behind The Hideout Sensory Shop, a dedicated space where kids can create their own sensory play dough with little Everleigh leading the charge. The Trietschs have embraced this opportunity to teach Everleigh and 10-year-old daughter Adalynn about the advantages of creativity, entrepreneurship and community.

The Hideout is also a versatile space that allows families and professionals to connect in a safe, comfortable area. Private hangouts are available for groups up to 25 people in a space designed to be quiet and free from distraction. The private space comes furnished with tables, chairs, reliable Wi-Fi access, along with an interactive flat panel and large whiteboard to encourage collaboration.

“What makes The Hideout special is that it was built for people in community. From the beginning, we never wanted this to be just about a play structure or a business model. It’s about relationships. It’s about knowing names, seeing families week after week and creating a place where people feel known. Show up as yourself and lean on others in our community who can meet you exactly where you are, offering friendship, support, a listening ear or advice from moms who have been exactly where you are,” Ashley says.

If you’re looking for a place to connect, grow, learn or create new friendships, come check out The Hideout.

To learn more about The Hideout and its options, visit hendrickshideout.com/play.

• Nine conference

• ADA accessibility

AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2026

3-6

NCAA MEN’S FINAL FOUR FAN FEST

Indianapolis Convention Center, 100 S Capitol Ave.

4, 6

2026 NCAA MEN’S FINAL FOUR

Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 South Capitol Avenue. TBD

2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four April 4 & 6, 2026

2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four Tip-Off!

2026 NCAA Men’s

Final Four – April 4 & 6 We Got Next!

7-12, 18-19, 24-26, 2930

COME FROM AWAY

Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington Street. Times Vary

REGIONAL PREMIERE a remarkable true story of resilience co-presented by Glick Philanthropies and Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation.

7 INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS VS. LOUISVILLE BATS

Victory Field, 501 West Maryland Street.

8

SOUL ASYLUM

Hendricks Live, 206 W Main St. 7:30 p.m.

SOUL ASYLUM (ACOUSTIC)

Hendricks Live!, 200 W Main St. 7:30 - 11 p.m.

10

CARRIE NEWCOMER

Hendricks Live, 206 W Main St. 8 p.m.

INDIANA PACERS VS. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S Pennsylvania St. 7:30 p.m.

Sale Dates and Times: Public Onsale : Thu, 14 Aug 2025 at 03:15 PM

11

WALK MS INDIANAPOLIS

White River State Park, 801 W Washington St. 6:15 p.m.

Volunteers make Walk MS happen, and are the foundation of why Walk MS is the largest walking fundraising event in the country. Thank you for your consideration in volunteering to help end MS forever.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

17-19

AMERICAN SOUND: DANCE KALEIDOSCOPE + INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St..

7 - 9 p.m. (April 17 & 18), 2 - 4 p.m. (April 19) A Christel DeHaan Legacy Concert

The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and Dance Kaleidoscope return to the Schrott Center for the Arts for a thrilling collaboration that brings together bold music.

23-25

SPECIAL EVENT: PAULY SHORE

Helium Comedy Club, 10 W Georgia St,. 7:30 p.m. (April 23), 7 - 9:15 p.m. (April 24), 79:30 p.m. (April 25)

23

TIFFANY

The Vogue Theatre, 6259 N College Ave. 8 p.m.

27 AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS

Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Avenue. 7:30 p.m.

SABER SKILLS

INDY LIGHTSABER ACADEMY BLENDS MARTIAL ARTS & STAR WARS INSPIRATION

Writer / Melissa Gibson

More than a decade ago, Michael Tucker was working as a stage combat instructor and planning choreography for plays throughout the Midwest.

He’d always been interested in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), a practice dating back to the Late Middle Ages, Renaissance and early modern period that uses classic fighting methods ranging from gladiator combat to fencing.

So when his future wife found a job listing for a sword fighter or someone with combat experience, Tucker quickly reached out.

“I met with Doug Trefun and he brought a lightsaber with him. He said he’d promised the library in Fishers that he would present a family-friendly performance on May 4 and was up a creek with no experience in martial arts,” Tucker says.

Of course, Tucker was up for the challenge and a kid-friendly class was created.

The presentation they put together had visitors fascinated and parents asking for more information. It was so successful that Tucker and Trefun came up with the idea of creating the Indy Lightsaber Academy.

“It was actually Doug’s idea and I thought it was crazy but went with it anyway. I spent the next several months developing different systems and lightsaber forms — the same ones we use today — and a few months later we opened our first school in a small space in Irvington,” Tucker says.

They shed the padded sabers used with the children in exchange for the real version.

Tucker designed his own lightsaber with polycarbonate tubing and reflective foil with

a mirror at the top, attached to a multicolored flashlight. Participants treat it just like a sword or any other weapon used in martial arts.

Believe it or not, there are a set number of rules to lightsaber fighting, established even before Tucker came on board.

There are two types of fighting: one that requires a helmet and one that does not. The objective is to strike your opponent in the torso — or head if playing with helmets — for points within the allotted time frame. The person with the most points wins.

At Indy Lightsaber Academy, there are seven levels built similarly to the martial arts belt structure. Everyone starts at Level 1 and works their way through each level.

During a class, participants do a warmup and

then split off with instructors as they work on Levels 1, 2 or 3. Higher-level students work with Tucker or help teach other students.

They’ve also added a sparring class to continue those skills at a competitive level.

As the classes grew and interest deepened, the Indy Lightsaber Academy moved from venue to venue and town to town, most recently hosting classes at the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center in Plainfield.

Instead of opening a brick-and-mortar location, it’s always been important to him to keep costs low and affordable. So far, he’s worked with parks departments and gymnasiums available to rent for classes.

The lightsaber fighting sport has boomed. After all, who doesn’t want to channel Luke Skywalker and learn the moves so many have watched on the big screen for decades?

Over the years, as the Star Wars films were released and popularity grew, others began asking to partner with Tucker — Trefun had moved on to other endeavors — or have help getting their own group started both in the U.S. and internationally.

Competitions and opportunities grew along with the interest.

“As new groups were formed, we were traveling to 10 regional and national tournaments a year and saw hundreds of students all over the Indy area. We even traveled to Paris once per year for a competition and began hosting our own international competition at the Irsay Family YMCA,” Tucker says.

He says the popularity of the sport has risen and fallen — and risen again — in the U.S., mainly with changes and iterations in the martial arts world.

For example, some began using body armor or protection, while Tucker and most international organizations use little to limited body protection.

“Internationally, they focus on no armor so

their popularity continues to grow. I think at one point, myself and one other organization in the U.S. were the only two doing no armor. It’s just a cultural difference and personally, I align with the international rules,” Tucker says.

For some, it’s a dream turned reality. For others, it’s a great way to meet friends and get a fun workout in. Regardless of the reason, Tucker says there are many positives to getting involved.

Lightsaber fighting is open to anyone 15 years and older, but Tucker says the demographic typically ranges between mid20s and mid-50s.

“We’ve always targeted nontraditional gym members. Martial arts are a very empowering feeling and I think it helps people feel in control of their body and themselves. There’s a fitness and wellness component to the class because I care about their longevity and I want everyone to have fun,” Tucker says.

There’s a social aspect too.

“We have dinner together. We’ve traveled the world together. I’ve seen couples who met through the academy who are now married. Over the years, we’ve created lifelong friendships,” Tucker says.

Looking forward, the Indy Lightsaber Academy is undergoing some transitions at the moment. They’re in the market for a new location in Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

They are also in the process of rebuilding the website and soon Tucker will pass the baton to current instructors, all previous students at Indy Lightsaber Academy.

“It’s really cool to see the second generation of the academy become up-and-coming leaders,” Tucker says. “I’ve trained them and they’re ready to take on the next generation.”

For more information, visit Indy Lightsaber Academy on Facebook or email indylightsaberacademy@gmail.com.

DARREN BOSTON DARREN@TOWNEPOST.COM (317) 716-8812

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